ITV

Tag: Balaji Telefilms

  • IOT group co’s exclusive agreement to stream content to over 100 APAC countries

    IOT group co’s exclusive agreement to stream content to over 100 APAC countries

    MUMBAI: IOT Group Limited subsidiary – OTT Premium Pty Ltd – has entered an exclusive agreement to bring Xstream’s over-the-top media streaming platform to Australia and more than 100 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Xstream, one of the only independently owned tier-one streaming companies in the world, offers telcos, broadcasters, production and film companies and content owners with the full end to end over-the-top platform to deliver content which can be viewed on any device, at anytime, anywhere.

    OTT Premium will be headed up by Bob Morrison who joined Xstream as managing director, Asia Pacific in 2015 to launch, manage and grow Xstream’s operations across the region, after earlier spending 12 months on the board of Xstream. Bob is a known business strategist and respected industry leader bringing with him over 25 years of entertainment, media, television, content and OTT experience.

    The Xstream technology will allow global content to be delivered instantly and seamlessly to Australian audiences – and Australian content to be delivered to new audiences around the world. Existing Xstream clients include Telenor (the world’s fourth biggest telco), Spark New Zealand (formerly Telecom New Zealand) and Bollywood’s largest production studio – Balaji Telefilms and is in discussion with some major players in the APAC region. In addition, OTT Premium will be adopting Xstream’s dynamic business model which means no matter the size of the client, OTT Premium will cohesively scale with each client’s individual needs.

    “This partnership will expand the reach of an Australian tech company across the entire region,” said IOT Group Executive Director Duffell. “There is a gap in the market for customers looking for unique content delivered as and when they want it. There’s numerous streaming and VOD services offering mass content, few of which offer tailored viewing or multilingual channels to address unique tastes. The Xstream platform already has access to over 10,000+ hours of homeland television and continues to grow.”

    “This partnership presents a huge opportunity for Australian broadcasters and telcos to bring previously unseen global TV content to local audiences, and provides a platform for Australian artists and production companies to bring their new content to a global stage,” Morrison said.

    Xstream CEO Simon Hoegsbro commented: ““The entire Asia Pacific region is experiencing tremendous growth in online video viewership. Entering this new era with OTT Premium will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our technology in this region. We are honoured that OTT Premium has chosen Xstream to spearhead its reach into the Asia-Pacific region and we are committed to working with OTT Premium to offer a flexible, best in class OTT platform across the Asia Pacific continuing our commitment to simplify the complexity of Internet TV for our customers “

    Over-the-Top (OTT) applications and services are the platform that delivers streaming and video-on-demand services to use on mobiles, tablet, web, smart TV, set-top-box and consoles and mobile devices. OTT providers are poised for scale and growth as they deliver user content over the Internet bypassing traditional distribution channels more generally, at a lower cost. Examples include Netflix and Apple TV (replacing your regular TV provider) or Skype (replacing your long distance provider).

  • IOT group co’s exclusive agreement to stream content to over 100 APAC countries

    IOT group co’s exclusive agreement to stream content to over 100 APAC countries

    MUMBAI: IOT Group Limited subsidiary – OTT Premium Pty Ltd – has entered an exclusive agreement to bring Xstream’s over-the-top media streaming platform to Australia and more than 100 countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Xstream, one of the only independently owned tier-one streaming companies in the world, offers telcos, broadcasters, production and film companies and content owners with the full end to end over-the-top platform to deliver content which can be viewed on any device, at anytime, anywhere.

    OTT Premium will be headed up by Bob Morrison who joined Xstream as managing director, Asia Pacific in 2015 to launch, manage and grow Xstream’s operations across the region, after earlier spending 12 months on the board of Xstream. Bob is a known business strategist and respected industry leader bringing with him over 25 years of entertainment, media, television, content and OTT experience.

    The Xstream technology will allow global content to be delivered instantly and seamlessly to Australian audiences – and Australian content to be delivered to new audiences around the world. Existing Xstream clients include Telenor (the world’s fourth biggest telco), Spark New Zealand (formerly Telecom New Zealand) and Bollywood’s largest production studio – Balaji Telefilms and is in discussion with some major players in the APAC region. In addition, OTT Premium will be adopting Xstream’s dynamic business model which means no matter the size of the client, OTT Premium will cohesively scale with each client’s individual needs.

    “This partnership will expand the reach of an Australian tech company across the entire region,” said IOT Group Executive Director Duffell. “There is a gap in the market for customers looking for unique content delivered as and when they want it. There’s numerous streaming and VOD services offering mass content, few of which offer tailored viewing or multilingual channels to address unique tastes. The Xstream platform already has access to over 10,000+ hours of homeland television and continues to grow.”

    “This partnership presents a huge opportunity for Australian broadcasters and telcos to bring previously unseen global TV content to local audiences, and provides a platform for Australian artists and production companies to bring their new content to a global stage,” Morrison said.

    Xstream CEO Simon Hoegsbro commented: ““The entire Asia Pacific region is experiencing tremendous growth in online video viewership. Entering this new era with OTT Premium will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our technology in this region. We are honoured that OTT Premium has chosen Xstream to spearhead its reach into the Asia-Pacific region and we are committed to working with OTT Premium to offer a flexible, best in class OTT platform across the Asia Pacific continuing our commitment to simplify the complexity of Internet TV for our customers “

    Over-the-Top (OTT) applications and services are the platform that delivers streaming and video-on-demand services to use on mobiles, tablet, web, smart TV, set-top-box and consoles and mobile devices. OTT providers are poised for scale and growth as they deliver user content over the Internet bypassing traditional distribution channels more generally, at a lower cost. Examples include Netflix and Apple TV (replacing your regular TV provider) or Skype (replacing your long distance provider).

  • Colors to air ‘Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon’ se from 11 June

    Colors to air ‘Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon’ se from 11 June

    MUMBAI: Uneasy rests the soul that loves and loses. Its obsession with love challenges the realms of life and death. But, what happens when the soul turns rogue? Colors’ upcoming drama, a finite paranormal thriller series titled Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se is a story of love, passion and obsession. Drawing evil from its grave to possess a pure soul in an epic battle against good, the show delves into the lives of a loving couple Paridhi and Rajbir, and his fanatical lover Manjulika’s unfulfilled soul. Supported by a dramatic narrative and backed by Balaji Telefilms’ prowess in celebrating Indian folklore and myths, the show dwells deep into the elements of supernatural occurrences and exorcism.

    Set to take over the baton from Naagin, the show will go on-air starting 11 June 2016, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 pm.

    Commenting on the launch of the show, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “The numero uno show of Indian television is going to be replaced by a new entrant which has the potential to become another trendsetter in the industry. The success of Naagin has led us to believe that the Indian viewers have a huge appetite for stories which dangle on the realms of the unknown. Going by the efficacy of this research, we bring to the viewers, Kawach – a show that talks about love, demonic possession and exorcism. Colors has set a benchmark of sorts in the finite fiction series space and we hope to continue the same trend now with Kawach. The show will definitely create ripples, is our belief.”

    Adding further, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Rooted in possession and exorcism driven by fanatical love, the show will create supernatural experiences that will engage viewers across the country. The show is essentially a love story; on one side is a devoted wife who vows to protect her husband against all evils and on the other side is an insatiated spirit whose unrequited love for the same man makes her wreak havoc in his blissfully married life. Everyone who has struggled to secure his/her love or has loved and lost will identify with the emotions displayed in this drama. As Kawach charts its own course, we are confident in its ability to grip audience attention.”

    Speaking about the show, the reigning Czarina of Indian television, producer Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms said, “Supernatural themes in recent times have tasted much success across the entertainment industry. Be it in films or on television, audiences enjoy watching stories based on myths and folklore. Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se will witness evil energies taking center stage as the goodness of love will be tested in all its glory. The show will evoke a multitude of emotions amongst viewers – be it empathy for Rajbir, hatred for Manjulika or reverence for Paridhi. With a strong VFX team in place, Kawach will be our next visually spectacular proposition on Colors and we look forward to strengthening our association with the channel further.”

    When love turns into an evil obsession, it holds the power and ability to completely take over a person’s existence. The show will see two types of love – an all-consuming obsessive love that draws Manjulika (Maheck Chahal) to Rajbir (Vivek Dahiya) even after her death, and a selfless strong-willed love that empowers Paridhi (Mona Singh) to protect Rajbir from dark elements. Paridhi’s determination and devotion, Rajbir’s conundrum and inability to ward off harm from his wife’s life, and Manjulika’s malevolence as she recuperates from having failed at being a temptress while she was still alive, will play a major role in shaping their personalities. As a fierce tussle juxtaposes good and evil, Manjulika’s soul possesses Paridhi’s body, and uses her dreams and ambitions to manipulate her presence in Rajbir’s life and future. And with Manjulika’s evil ploys and hell-fire for her fixation with Rajbir in the offing, it will be Paridhi’s efforts that will battle the realms of bone-chilling incidents.

    Speaking about her character, Mona Singh, who essays the role of Paridhi said, “Paridhi is a modern women who is well educated, is an archaeologist by profession and doesn’t believe in supernatural occurrences. But, she is willing to go to any length to protect her husband from the clutches of evil. She will get possessed by Manjulika’s spirit, but even this will not deter her from her goals. Paridhi considers love supreme and will chart her course to her destiny with that one goal in mind.” Commenting on Rajbir’s character, actor Vivek Dahiya said, “As a story of love and obsession, Kawach will take viewers on a spine-tingling ride. Rajbir doesn’t believe in supernatural powers, but is a strong believer in the power of love and uses it to fight evil spirits when his wife Paridhi is possessed by Manjulika’s soul. His misfortune and failure at protecting his wife causes him to take many decisions that shape their future and existence. But how Rajbir and Paridhi’s love fights through all odds forms the crux of this story.”

    Upon being casted in her first ever fiction role as Manjulika,Maheck Chahal said, “Manjulika is a dark and sexy seductress. She tries to win Rajbir’s heart but fails. Her return from the dead is a mark of power and passion, and she will do all it takes – including inhabiting Paridhi’s untainted and loving soul – to own the man who she believes is rightfully hers.”

    Along with the above cast, the show brings together a power-packed cast comprising of Ashwini Kalsekar as Indrani, Aham Mehta as Jagat Singh, Shiva Rindani as Bharat Singh, and Ritu Vij as Janki Devi amongst others.

    To engage with viewers at a grass-root level, Colors has devised a robust marketing and digital strategy including different touch points including outdoor and radio. Further, the channel has planned a series of on-ground activations at more than 130 Hanuman temples across HSMs (Hindi Speaking Markets) wherein a Kawach kit comprising of a Hunaman Chalisa and a Hanuman Kawach will be distributed amongst devotees. On the digital front, an extensive outreach has been planned utilizing multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram amongst others.

  • Colors to air ‘Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon’ se from 11 June

    Colors to air ‘Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon’ se from 11 June

    MUMBAI: Uneasy rests the soul that loves and loses. Its obsession with love challenges the realms of life and death. But, what happens when the soul turns rogue? Colors’ upcoming drama, a finite paranormal thriller series titled Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se is a story of love, passion and obsession. Drawing evil from its grave to possess a pure soul in an epic battle against good, the show delves into the lives of a loving couple Paridhi and Rajbir, and his fanatical lover Manjulika’s unfulfilled soul. Supported by a dramatic narrative and backed by Balaji Telefilms’ prowess in celebrating Indian folklore and myths, the show dwells deep into the elements of supernatural occurrences and exorcism.

    Set to take over the baton from Naagin, the show will go on-air starting 11 June 2016, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 pm.

    Commenting on the launch of the show, Colors CEO Raj Nayak said, “The numero uno show of Indian television is going to be replaced by a new entrant which has the potential to become another trendsetter in the industry. The success of Naagin has led us to believe that the Indian viewers have a huge appetite for stories which dangle on the realms of the unknown. Going by the efficacy of this research, we bring to the viewers, Kawach – a show that talks about love, demonic possession and exorcism. Colors has set a benchmark of sorts in the finite fiction series space and we hope to continue the same trend now with Kawach. The show will definitely create ripples, is our belief.”

    Adding further, Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Rooted in possession and exorcism driven by fanatical love, the show will create supernatural experiences that will engage viewers across the country. The show is essentially a love story; on one side is a devoted wife who vows to protect her husband against all evils and on the other side is an insatiated spirit whose unrequited love for the same man makes her wreak havoc in his blissfully married life. Everyone who has struggled to secure his/her love or has loved and lost will identify with the emotions displayed in this drama. As Kawach charts its own course, we are confident in its ability to grip audience attention.”

    Speaking about the show, the reigning Czarina of Indian television, producer Ekta Kapoor of Balaji Telefilms said, “Supernatural themes in recent times have tasted much success across the entertainment industry. Be it in films or on television, audiences enjoy watching stories based on myths and folklore. Kawach…Kaali Shaktiyon Se will witness evil energies taking center stage as the goodness of love will be tested in all its glory. The show will evoke a multitude of emotions amongst viewers – be it empathy for Rajbir, hatred for Manjulika or reverence for Paridhi. With a strong VFX team in place, Kawach will be our next visually spectacular proposition on Colors and we look forward to strengthening our association with the channel further.”

    When love turns into an evil obsession, it holds the power and ability to completely take over a person’s existence. The show will see two types of love – an all-consuming obsessive love that draws Manjulika (Maheck Chahal) to Rajbir (Vivek Dahiya) even after her death, and a selfless strong-willed love that empowers Paridhi (Mona Singh) to protect Rajbir from dark elements. Paridhi’s determination and devotion, Rajbir’s conundrum and inability to ward off harm from his wife’s life, and Manjulika’s malevolence as she recuperates from having failed at being a temptress while she was still alive, will play a major role in shaping their personalities. As a fierce tussle juxtaposes good and evil, Manjulika’s soul possesses Paridhi’s body, and uses her dreams and ambitions to manipulate her presence in Rajbir’s life and future. And with Manjulika’s evil ploys and hell-fire for her fixation with Rajbir in the offing, it will be Paridhi’s efforts that will battle the realms of bone-chilling incidents.

    Speaking about her character, Mona Singh, who essays the role of Paridhi said, “Paridhi is a modern women who is well educated, is an archaeologist by profession and doesn’t believe in supernatural occurrences. But, she is willing to go to any length to protect her husband from the clutches of evil. She will get possessed by Manjulika’s spirit, but even this will not deter her from her goals. Paridhi considers love supreme and will chart her course to her destiny with that one goal in mind.” Commenting on Rajbir’s character, actor Vivek Dahiya said, “As a story of love and obsession, Kawach will take viewers on a spine-tingling ride. Rajbir doesn’t believe in supernatural powers, but is a strong believer in the power of love and uses it to fight evil spirits when his wife Paridhi is possessed by Manjulika’s soul. His misfortune and failure at protecting his wife causes him to take many decisions that shape their future and existence. But how Rajbir and Paridhi’s love fights through all odds forms the crux of this story.”

    Upon being casted in her first ever fiction role as Manjulika,Maheck Chahal said, “Manjulika is a dark and sexy seductress. She tries to win Rajbir’s heart but fails. Her return from the dead is a mark of power and passion, and she will do all it takes – including inhabiting Paridhi’s untainted and loving soul – to own the man who she believes is rightfully hers.”

    Along with the above cast, the show brings together a power-packed cast comprising of Ashwini Kalsekar as Indrani, Aham Mehta as Jagat Singh, Shiva Rindani as Bharat Singh, and Ritu Vij as Janki Devi amongst others.

    To engage with viewers at a grass-root level, Colors has devised a robust marketing and digital strategy including different touch points including outdoor and radio. Further, the channel has planned a series of on-ground activations at more than 130 Hanuman temples across HSMs (Hindi Speaking Markets) wherein a Kawach kit comprising of a Hunaman Chalisa and a Hanuman Kawach will be distributed amongst devotees. On the digital front, an extensive outreach has been planned utilizing multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram amongst others.

  • Is supernatural a winning formula for Colors?

    Is supernatural a winning formula for Colors?

    MUMBAI: Remember shows like Aahat aired on Sony Entertainment Television, Woh and The Zee Horror Show on Zee TV? Recall those scary faces, the revolting dead bodies, flying furniture and conjured up fires from nowhere with special effects, because that was what was usually ‘patent’ for a horror show? Well, decades after such ‘horror’ shows almost vanished from prime time, supernatural is making a big time comeback on Indian television.

    The 90s of the previous century saw a few broadcasters and production houses going gaga over supernatural or horror fiction series, but after a certain period of time the genre was almost wiped off. Now, from Daayans to a shape shifting wolf to Naaginsto Makhi, Hindi GEC has recently witnessed number of aspects of the supernatural element. But only Colors seems to have cracked the supernatural code. It started with Naagin and the trend of supernatural characters after that has become unstoppable.

    In the first week of its launch, the weekend fiction show Naagin overtook the top five programmes on Hindi GECs. After breaking records with Naagin, its production house Balaji Telefilm’s is all set to launch a new show Kawach… Kaali Shaktiyon Se also on Colors, yet another supernatural show based on exorcism.

    An industry source close to the people involved with Naagin revealed to Indiantelevision.com that the show cost is between Rs 20 – 25 lakh per episode. On the ad rates front, Naagin commands about Rs 1.5 lakh for a 10 second slot. A sources close to the channel informed that the production cost of Balaji’s Kawach has been estimated at between Rs 15-20 lakhs per episode.

    Speaking on the success of Naagin Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Series like Naagin are edgy, they move faster and you can experiment with them. They don’t follow the grammar of soaps. We had this 8pm slot vacant and luckily we were the first one to encash it.”

    “We are truly a variety entertainment channel. We give audiences soaps like Naagin, comedy shows, reality such as India’s Got Talent and Fear Factor. Our strategy is ‘Let’s put up the variety and be ahead of the game’. We were first ones to do Naagin and we will be first ones to do Kawach. There is a huge bunch of people that watch such shows and we are just trying to open up that market in India,” explained Sharma.

    Speaking about the trend, a senior creative director said, “The Makhi element was used in Sasural Simar Ka to increase TRPs’ that eventually didn’t happen. If we talk about Naagin, it is just a revenge story, but it is packed with good content and strong casting. Naagin undoubtedly is a well-crafted story. “

    “Supernatural characters have been used by many in their shows, but for some they didn’t work out well. Shows like Vishkanyaand Adhuri Kahani Humari failed to generate positive ratings even after using power packed VFX. Ideas can be supernatural but they need to be well crafted,” said another creative head.

    From the ratings it’s clear the Vishkanya launched by Zee TV on 28 March at 6.30 pm time band from Monday- Friday failed to garner positive ratings for the channel. According to the BARC data, in week 18 the show garnered 2029 Impressions ‘000s while in week 19 the channel witnessed a slight hike in ratings with 2107 Impressions ‘000s but in week 20 and week 21 ratings just nosedived with 1648 Impressions ‘000s and 1347 Impressions ‘000s respectively.

    On the other hand, another Balaji show on &TV, Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum launched on 26 October at the 9.30 time slot fromMonday- Friday had to include the track of a cursed tiger with supernatural elements to pep up its ratings. In week 18, the show recorded, 1142 Impressions ‘000s while in week 19 and 20 ratings were slightly increased from 1255 Impressions ’000s and 1298 Impressions ‘000s. But again in week 21, the show saw a dip in ratings and recorded 1297 Impressions ‘000s.

    Adhuri Kahani Hamari on &TV was about reincarnation also revolved around a snake went off air on 13 May. The show failed to garner positive ratings for the channel. In week 18, the show recorded 726 Impressions ‘000s, while in week 19, the show closed at 1025 Impressions ‘000s.

    While speaking with Indiantelevision in an earlier interview, RBNL CEO Tarun Katial had said, “One horror show starts many starts, one crime show starts many others to make them, it’s a trend. People do enough of the genre and then they move to the next one.”

    Katial further added, “I think that content is getting more innovative and more lateral. People are thinking of different ways of storytelling. We have to put imagination around this. You know if we were to call Naagin regressive then we should also callVampire Diaries regressive but we watch Vampire Diaries and we don’t call it regressive. All the sci-fi or supernatural that goes around on American television, we don’t call it regressive because it comes from Hollywood.”

    “These all are disruptive trends In fact as far as regular story telling goes, every show needs to outshout others so either there is a high point or there is some action or outdoor that happened because when you do something like horror fiction or supernatural you draw lot of attention and if your story telling is strong you retain that attention which then converts into ratings. I think from time to time makers keep doing this to get that spike. But this can be a trap if you are doing things, those things should not damage the credibility of the show,” opined a senior producer.

    Whether it is the broadcaster and production house that are producing such creative content just to create the buzz and for high ratings, it has definitely managed to engross audiences. Balaji Telefilms which is famous for all the typical Saas – Bahu dramas and reincarnation love stories is slowly moving ahead with the supernatural mantra.

    Colors has already announced that it will come back with Naagin season 2 soon and now it’s Kawach that is all set to scare small screens viewers. These are interesting times and it will be interesting to see that how Colors and Balaji encash their new offerings.

  • Is supernatural a winning formula for Colors?

    Is supernatural a winning formula for Colors?

    MUMBAI: Remember shows like Aahat aired on Sony Entertainment Television, Woh and The Zee Horror Show on Zee TV? Recall those scary faces, the revolting dead bodies, flying furniture and conjured up fires from nowhere with special effects, because that was what was usually ‘patent’ for a horror show? Well, decades after such ‘horror’ shows almost vanished from prime time, supernatural is making a big time comeback on Indian television.

    The 90s of the previous century saw a few broadcasters and production houses going gaga over supernatural or horror fiction series, but after a certain period of time the genre was almost wiped off. Now, from Daayans to a shape shifting wolf to Naaginsto Makhi, Hindi GEC has recently witnessed number of aspects of the supernatural element. But only Colors seems to have cracked the supernatural code. It started with Naagin and the trend of supernatural characters after that has become unstoppable.

    In the first week of its launch, the weekend fiction show Naagin overtook the top five programmes on Hindi GECs. After breaking records with Naagin, its production house Balaji Telefilm’s is all set to launch a new show Kawach… Kaali Shaktiyon Se also on Colors, yet another supernatural show based on exorcism.

    An industry source close to the people involved with Naagin revealed to Indiantelevision.com that the show cost is between Rs 20 – 25 lakh per episode. On the ad rates front, Naagin commands about Rs 1.5 lakh for a 10 second slot. A sources close to the channel informed that the production cost of Balaji’s Kawach has been estimated at between Rs 15-20 lakhs per episode.

    Speaking on the success of Naagin Colors programming head Manisha Sharma said, “Series like Naagin are edgy, they move faster and you can experiment with them. They don’t follow the grammar of soaps. We had this 8pm slot vacant and luckily we were the first one to encash it.”

    “We are truly a variety entertainment channel. We give audiences soaps like Naagin, comedy shows, reality such as India’s Got Talent and Fear Factor. Our strategy is ‘Let’s put up the variety and be ahead of the game’. We were first ones to do Naagin and we will be first ones to do Kawach. There is a huge bunch of people that watch such shows and we are just trying to open up that market in India,” explained Sharma.

    Speaking about the trend, a senior creative director said, “The Makhi element was used in Sasural Simar Ka to increase TRPs’ that eventually didn’t happen. If we talk about Naagin, it is just a revenge story, but it is packed with good content and strong casting. Naagin undoubtedly is a well-crafted story. “

    “Supernatural characters have been used by many in their shows, but for some they didn’t work out well. Shows like Vishkanyaand Adhuri Kahani Humari failed to generate positive ratings even after using power packed VFX. Ideas can be supernatural but they need to be well crafted,” said another creative head.

    From the ratings it’s clear the Vishkanya launched by Zee TV on 28 March at 6.30 pm time band from Monday- Friday failed to garner positive ratings for the channel. According to the BARC data, in week 18 the show garnered 2029 Impressions ‘000s while in week 19 the channel witnessed a slight hike in ratings with 2107 Impressions ‘000s but in week 20 and week 21 ratings just nosedived with 1648 Impressions ‘000s and 1347 Impressions ‘000s respectively.

    On the other hand, another Balaji show on &TV, Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum launched on 26 October at the 9.30 time slot fromMonday- Friday had to include the track of a cursed tiger with supernatural elements to pep up its ratings. In week 18, the show recorded, 1142 Impressions ‘000s while in week 19 and 20 ratings were slightly increased from 1255 Impressions ’000s and 1298 Impressions ‘000s. But again in week 21, the show saw a dip in ratings and recorded 1297 Impressions ‘000s.

    Adhuri Kahani Hamari on &TV was about reincarnation also revolved around a snake went off air on 13 May. The show failed to garner positive ratings for the channel. In week 18, the show recorded 726 Impressions ‘000s, while in week 19, the show closed at 1025 Impressions ‘000s.

    While speaking with Indiantelevision in an earlier interview, RBNL CEO Tarun Katial had said, “One horror show starts many starts, one crime show starts many others to make them, it’s a trend. People do enough of the genre and then they move to the next one.”

    Katial further added, “I think that content is getting more innovative and more lateral. People are thinking of different ways of storytelling. We have to put imagination around this. You know if we were to call Naagin regressive then we should also callVampire Diaries regressive but we watch Vampire Diaries and we don’t call it regressive. All the sci-fi or supernatural that goes around on American television, we don’t call it regressive because it comes from Hollywood.”

    “These all are disruptive trends In fact as far as regular story telling goes, every show needs to outshout others so either there is a high point or there is some action or outdoor that happened because when you do something like horror fiction or supernatural you draw lot of attention and if your story telling is strong you retain that attention which then converts into ratings. I think from time to time makers keep doing this to get that spike. But this can be a trap if you are doing things, those things should not damage the credibility of the show,” opined a senior producer.

    Whether it is the broadcaster and production house that are producing such creative content just to create the buzz and for high ratings, it has definitely managed to engross audiences. Balaji Telefilms which is famous for all the typical Saas – Bahu dramas and reincarnation love stories is slowly moving ahead with the supernatural mantra.

    Colors has already announced that it will come back with Naagin season 2 soon and now it’s Kawach that is all set to scare small screens viewers. These are interesting times and it will be interesting to see that how Colors and Balaji encash their new offerings.

  • ASCI upholds complaints against Balaji Telefilms, Viacom 18, Patanjali, Coca Cola, Facebook, Amazon.in, TOI

    ASCI upholds complaints against Balaji Telefilms, Viacom 18, Patanjali, Coca Cola, Facebook, Amazon.in, TOI

    MUMBAI: In January 2016, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 51 out of 102 advertisements. Out of 51 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 13 belonged to the education category, 12 to the food & beverages category, followed by 11 in the healthcare category, 6 in the eCommerce category and 9 advertisements from other categories.

    Balaji Telefilms The suggestive scenes in the movie promo showing “two men and women on the beach” are indecent, vulgar and repulsive, which, in the light of generally prevailing standards of decency and proprietary, will cause grave and widespread offence to general public.  

    Viacom18 Media Private Limited (Bigg Boss 9) The TV promo advertisement, depicting the protagonists wearing shoes in a temple is likely to cause grave and widespread offence.

    Patanjali Ayurved Limited (Youvan Gold Plus): The claims on pack of Youvan Gold Plus, ‘An authentic powder booster Ayurvedic Medicine useful in physical & sexual weakness which improves libido, vigour & vitality, sexual power. Keeps you always healthy, energetic & gives you total satisfaction of married life’, were not substantiated and imply that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates the Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

    Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Pure Cow’s Ghee): The reference to ‘Keratin’ content in Cow’s milk in the advertisement was found to be an error. The word Keratin was used instead of ‘Carotene’ and the claim ‘Scientific fact: Cow’s milk contains Keratin’ was incorrect.

    Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Atta Noodles): The claim in the advertisement, ‘Oil Free’ was not substantiated and is misleading by implication.

    Coca-Cola India Pvt. Ltd. (Coca-Cola Zero): The disclaimer in the advertisement of Coca-Cola Zero was not as per the size stipulated in the ASCI Guidelines for Supers. It was concluded that disclaimer in the advertisement is not clearly legible.  The advertisement contravened the ASCI Guidelines on Supers. 

    Facebook India (Facebook Free Basics): The claim in the advertisement, ‘Free Basics is at risk of being banned’ was considered to be misleading by exaggeration. Further, the claim in the advertisement, ‘Through a trial of Free Basics by Facebook, Ganesh learnt new farming techniques that doubled his crop yield’, the farmer’s interview / testimonial is not an adequate substantiation for the claim quantifying doubling of crop yield directly attributable to the Free Basics trial by the farmer. Also, it was not conclusively proven what the crop yields were prior to Ganesh using internet and post using Free Basics trial.  Using an individual testimonial without any claim support data, while reaching out to consumers at large, was considered to be misleading by implication and exaggeration. Also, in the absence of any disclaimer to that effect, the reference to the claim in the advertisement, ‘benefits of Free Internet’ was misleading by ambiguity.

    Amazon.in: The discrepancy between the specification declared on the Amazon.com web-site for AdraxxCrosman Roof Prism Binoculars, and the specification mentioned on the product visual led to the conclusion that the advertisement is misleading.

    The Times of India: The claim in the advertisement, ‘Presenting India’s most challenging school quiz.’ was not substantiated by providing comparative data versus other contests of similar nature to support how this quiz is better in the challenge level and the claim of the ‘Most’ challenging quiz.

  • ASCI upholds complaints against Balaji Telefilms, Viacom 18, Patanjali, Coca Cola, Facebook, Amazon.in, TOI

    ASCI upholds complaints against Balaji Telefilms, Viacom 18, Patanjali, Coca Cola, Facebook, Amazon.in, TOI

    MUMBAI: In January 2016, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 51 out of 102 advertisements. Out of 51 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 13 belonged to the education category, 12 to the food & beverages category, followed by 11 in the healthcare category, 6 in the eCommerce category and 9 advertisements from other categories.

    Balaji Telefilms The suggestive scenes in the movie promo showing “two men and women on the beach” are indecent, vulgar and repulsive, which, in the light of generally prevailing standards of decency and proprietary, will cause grave and widespread offence to general public.  

    Viacom18 Media Private Limited (Bigg Boss 9) The TV promo advertisement, depicting the protagonists wearing shoes in a temple is likely to cause grave and widespread offence.

    Patanjali Ayurved Limited (Youvan Gold Plus): The claims on pack of Youvan Gold Plus, ‘An authentic powder booster Ayurvedic Medicine useful in physical & sexual weakness which improves libido, vigour & vitality, sexual power. Keeps you always healthy, energetic & gives you total satisfaction of married life’, were not substantiated and imply that the product is meant for enhancement of sexual pleasure, which is in breach of the law as it violates the Drugs & Magic Remedies Act.

    Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Pure Cow’s Ghee): The reference to ‘Keratin’ content in Cow’s milk in the advertisement was found to be an error. The word Keratin was used instead of ‘Carotene’ and the claim ‘Scientific fact: Cow’s milk contains Keratin’ was incorrect.

    Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. (Patanjali Atta Noodles): The claim in the advertisement, ‘Oil Free’ was not substantiated and is misleading by implication.

    Coca-Cola India Pvt. Ltd. (Coca-Cola Zero): The disclaimer in the advertisement of Coca-Cola Zero was not as per the size stipulated in the ASCI Guidelines for Supers. It was concluded that disclaimer in the advertisement is not clearly legible.  The advertisement contravened the ASCI Guidelines on Supers. 

    Facebook India (Facebook Free Basics): The claim in the advertisement, ‘Free Basics is at risk of being banned’ was considered to be misleading by exaggeration. Further, the claim in the advertisement, ‘Through a trial of Free Basics by Facebook, Ganesh learnt new farming techniques that doubled his crop yield’, the farmer’s interview / testimonial is not an adequate substantiation for the claim quantifying doubling of crop yield directly attributable to the Free Basics trial by the farmer. Also, it was not conclusively proven what the crop yields were prior to Ganesh using internet and post using Free Basics trial.  Using an individual testimonial without any claim support data, while reaching out to consumers at large, was considered to be misleading by implication and exaggeration. Also, in the absence of any disclaimer to that effect, the reference to the claim in the advertisement, ‘benefits of Free Internet’ was misleading by ambiguity.

    Amazon.in: The discrepancy between the specification declared on the Amazon.com web-site for AdraxxCrosman Roof Prism Binoculars, and the specification mentioned on the product visual led to the conclusion that the advertisement is misleading.

    The Times of India: The claim in the advertisement, ‘Presenting India’s most challenging school quiz.’ was not substantiated by providing comparative data versus other contests of similar nature to support how this quiz is better in the challenge level and the claim of the ‘Most’ challenging quiz.

  • Balaji Telefilms completes fund raise of Rs 150.08 crore for Alt Digital Media

    Balaji Telefilms completes fund raise of Rs 150.08 crore for Alt Digital Media

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms Limited (Balaji Telefilms) has completed the fund raising exercise of Rs. 150.08 crore for its digital venture ALT Digital Media. 1,07,20,000 equity shares  representing 14.1 per cent of  the  equity share  capital of the  company, each having  face  value  of  Rs. 2  each,   have   been   issued   and  allotted  on preferential basis  at  a price  of  Rs. 140  each  for  a total consideration of  Rs. 150.08 crore The shares were issued to  Atyant Capital India Fund  – I, Vanderbilt University, GHILTP Ltd., GHIHSP Ltd. and  GHIERP Ltd. 

    The equity shares   will be locked-in for  a period  of one year  from the  date  of trading approval.

    The proceeds of the issue will be used to catapult the launch and growth of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Limited (ALT Digital Media), Balaji Telefilm’s foray into the B2C digital content business segment touted as the next growth driver for the Company. The board of  directors of  the  company has approved investment of  Rs. 150  crore  in  ALT Digital Media ALT Digital Media  will create  its own  highly differentiated, original digital content platform for the  entire connected ecosystem spanning mobiles, computers, tablets, smart TVs and  game  stations.

    Commenting on the completion of the fund raise, Balaji Telefilms group CEO  Sameer Nair, said, “We are delighted to have completed this fund raising to  support our  growth aspirations through ALT  Digital Media. 

    We are now on a fast track mode to roll out the ALT Digital OTT platform which is set to redefine the entertainment viewing experience of Indian in India and  across the globe.”

    The transaction was facilitated by Axis Capital Limited, being the sole investment banker and advisor for the fund raise.

  • Balaji Telefilms completes fund raise of Rs 150.08 crore for Alt Digital Media

    Balaji Telefilms completes fund raise of Rs 150.08 crore for Alt Digital Media

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms Limited (Balaji Telefilms) has completed the fund raising exercise of Rs. 150.08 crore for its digital venture ALT Digital Media. 1,07,20,000 equity shares  representing 14.1 per cent of  the  equity share  capital of the  company, each having  face  value  of  Rs. 2  each,   have   been   issued   and  allotted  on preferential basis  at  a price  of  Rs. 140  each  for  a total consideration of  Rs. 150.08 crore The shares were issued to  Atyant Capital India Fund  – I, Vanderbilt University, GHILTP Ltd., GHIHSP Ltd. and  GHIERP Ltd. 

    The equity shares   will be locked-in for  a period  of one year  from the  date  of trading approval.

    The proceeds of the issue will be used to catapult the launch and growth of ALT Digital Media Entertainment Limited (ALT Digital Media), Balaji Telefilm’s foray into the B2C digital content business segment touted as the next growth driver for the Company. The board of  directors of  the  company has approved investment of  Rs. 150  crore  in  ALT Digital Media ALT Digital Media  will create  its own  highly differentiated, original digital content platform for the  entire connected ecosystem spanning mobiles, computers, tablets, smart TVs and  game  stations.

    Commenting on the completion of the fund raise, Balaji Telefilms group CEO  Sameer Nair, said, “We are delighted to have completed this fund raising to  support our  growth aspirations through ALT  Digital Media. 

    We are now on a fast track mode to roll out the ALT Digital OTT platform which is set to redefine the entertainment viewing experience of Indian in India and  across the globe.”

    The transaction was facilitated by Axis Capital Limited, being the sole investment banker and advisor for the fund raise.